22 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone; 23 (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:) 24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. 25 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? 26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. 27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. (John 6:22-27 KJV)
I Am the Bread of Life
In these verses we have:
The careful inquiry the people made after Christ (John 6:23-24). They saw the disciples go to sea and saw Christ retreat to the mountain, probably signaling a desire for privacy. Their hearts, set on making him king, waited for his return. The next day, their zeal still burning,
- They were puzzled by his disappearance. They knew there was only one boat, which the disciples had taken. Jesus had not gone with them, and no other boat was there for him to use. Providence arranged it this way to confirm the miracle of his walking on the sea. They noted he had stayed behind, and now he was gone.
- They searched for him diligently. When they saw neither Jesus nor the disciples were nearby, they decided to look elsewhere. Those who desire Christ must be willing to seek until they find. Christ had fed them with the bread of life, and they hungered for more.
They decided to go to Capernaum, where Jesus often stayed. His disciples had gone there, and they assumed he wouldn’t be far from them. God’s providence helped them: boats from Tiberias had arrived nearby, likely heading to Capernaum, giving them a way to cross quickly. The evangelist mentions that this happened after Jesus had given thanks (John 6:11). The disciples had been so touched by Jesus’s words of gratitude that it left a lasting impression—they cherished the memory.
- They took the opportunity and sailed to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. They didn’t wait around hoping he would return; they acted immediately. Good intentions often die out when delayed. They followed through with their convictions. Ironically, these superficial followers had a smooth journey, while Christ’s true disciples faced a storm (John 6:16-18). It’s not surprising when the best people face the hardest trials in this world.
They came looking for Jesus. Those who truly want to find Christ—and find comfort in him—must be willing to take the effort. As he came from heaven to seek us, we must earnestly seek him.
They found him on the other side of the sea (John 6:25). Christ will be found by those who seek him. Even if it means crossing seas, he is worth the pursuit. These people turned out to be untrustworthy and not motivated by a sincere heart, yet they were eager. Hypocrites can be very enthusiastic about attending religious gatherings. If a person’s only evidence of love for Christ is running to sermons or loving good preaching, they should examine themselves. Still, Christ allowed them to find him and admitted them to his presence. Even if we could know who the hypocrites are, as long as their profession is outwardly good, we shouldn’t exclude them.
They asked him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” (John 6:25). According to John 6:59, they likely found him in the synagogue—where they knew he would be, since he regularly attended public worship (Luke 4:16). Christ is to be found in the assemblies of his people and the administration of his ordinances. Public worship is where Christ often reveals himself. They asked, “When did you come here?” hinting not only at the time but the mysterious way he had arrived, since there was no boat for him to use. They were curious about Christ’s movements, but not mindful of their own hearts.
Jesus didn’t answer them directly—how and when he came wasn’t their concern—but he responded to their true condition.
He revealed their real motives (John 6:26): “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled.” Christ, who searches hearts (Revelation 3:14-15), knows not just what we do, but why. They weren’t drawn by the miracles as signs confirming his divine mission, but by their own satisfaction from being fed. He had given them a full, satisfying meal—perhaps even better than usual—and it had cost them nothing. Many follow Christ for the benefits, not out of love. Some seek religious involvement only for worldly gain. One of the popes even said, “This story about Christ—what a profitable business we’ve made of it!”
These people called Jesus “Rabbi” and treated him with outward respect, but he called out their hypocrisy. His ministers must learn from this: do not flatter those who flatter you. Speak truthfully where correction is needed. He directed them to better pursuits (John 6:27): “Don’t labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life.” Just as he spoke to the woman of Samaria using water as a metaphor, here he uses food.
He was trying to shift their focus from worldly pursuits: “Don’t labor for perishable food.” This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t work for our daily needs (2 Thessalonians 3:12), but we must not make them our ultimate concern. Earthly goods—wealth, honor, pleasure—are like food that feeds the imagination and body, but they fade, wither, or are lost in death. We must not make religion about gaining worldly things, nor should we treat material goods as our highest priority (Proverbs 23:4-5).
Instead, Jesus urged them to pursue what truly matters: “Work for the food that endures to eternal life.” This spiritual nourishment will last forever. The blessings of salvation are our preparation, preservation, and pledge of eternal life. This spiritual food is available: “Which the Son of Man will give to you.” Though we labor for it, we don’t earn it—it’s a gift. Jesus, as the Son of Man, is appointed by God to distribute grace and eternal life.
God the Father has “sealed” him—meaning, he has given Jesus full authority to mediate between God and humanity. His miracles, the voice from heaven, and the descent of the Spirit all confirm his divine commission (John 3:33; Daniel 9:24; 2 Corinthians 1:22). God has entrusted him with divine power and given us assurance of it, so that we can confidently rely on him.